Fire Behavior of Posidonia Oceanica Epoxy Composites

The flammability behavior of an epoxy resin, modified by the addition of Posidonia Oceanica at three concentration levels (8%, 10%,12%), has been investigated by performing cone calorimeter tests. The plant has been preliminary dried and milled to obtain a powder with average size of 0.08 micron, then has been dispersed within the resin prior the cure. Scanning electron microscopy both on the Posidonia and the hybrid composites has been carried out to verify the dispersion and the action mechanism of plant within the resin. Results from cone calorimeter tests showed that the incorporation of Posidonia Oceanica significantly affect the flammability of the epoxy resin by a strong reduction of PI-RIR up to 52%.